AI has taken the Internet by storm over the last several months.  I’ve just begun using OpenAI.  My experience so far is quite limited but I have gotten some initial impressions.

I started by applying for my own API key.  (It was a simple process.)  I then wrote a simple Python program so I could ask the AI questions and then save off the prompt and response to a file for my use.

Should You Collect Social Security at 62?

I maintain a retirement related blog called RetireReal.  I decided to do a post on the pros and cons of collecting Social Security at 62.

Here was my prompt:

Acting as a writer write a 500 word blogpost on collecting Social Security at 62

And here was the response:

Collecting Social Security at 62 is a popular option for many retirees. But is it the best option for you?

Collecting Social Security at 62 can be a great option for some people. The earlier you start collecting Social Security, the more money you will receive over the course of your retirement. This is because you will receive your full benefit amount for a longer period of time. Additionally, if you need the money to cover living expenses, collecting Social Security at 62 can be a great option.

However, there are some drawbacks to collecting Social Security at 62. The most significant drawback is that your benefit amount will be reduced. If you wait until your full retirement age, which is typically 66 or 67, you will receive your full benefit amount. Additionally, if you wait until age 70, you will receive an even higher benefit amount.

Another drawback of collecting Social Security at 62 is that you may miss out on other retirement benefits. For example, if you are eligible for a pension or other retirement income, you may not be able to collect it until you reach full retirement age. Additionally, if you are still working, you may not be able to collect Social Security until you reach full retirement age.

Finally, collecting Social Security at 62 may not be the best option if you are in good health and plan to continue working. If you wait until your full retirement age, you will receive a higher benefit amount and you will not be subject to the earnings limit. Additionally, if you wait until age 70, you will receive an even higher benefit amount.

Ultimately, the decision to collect Social Security at 62 is a personal one. It is important to consider your individual situation and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you need the money to cover living expenses, collecting Social Security at 62 may be a good option. However, if you are in good health and plan to continue working, you may want to wait until your full retirement age or even age 70.

Response Analysis

Let’s analyze the response.  In paragraph two the AI wrote:

The earlier you start collecting Social Security, the more money you will receive over the course of your retirement. This is because you will receive your full benefit amount for a longer period of time.

I have a problem with these statements.  The first may not be correct.  It all depends on how long you live.   This of course makes the second statement suspect too!

In paragraph four the AI states:

 Additionally, if you are still working, you may not be able to collect Social Security until you reach full retirement age.

This is not accurate.  In reality depending on your income your benefits may be reduced, but not necessarily eliminated.  You need to consult the SS website or other sources to determine the effect for your particular situation.

My final post can be seen here.  You will see I used some of what the AI provided and then added clarification.

A Better Use of AI

A better use of AI might be to stimulate ideas.  I’ve also maintained a computer related blog for years and am always looking for new topics to write about.  So I asked OpenAI.

Here is my prompt:

Acting as a writer give me 10 computer software related blog post topics

And here is the response:

1. Top 10 Must-Have Computer Software for Businesses

2. Benefits of Using Cloud-Based Software for Businesses

3. How to Choose the Right Software for Your Business

4. Understanding the Different Types of Computer Software

5. How to Protect Your Software from Viruses and Malware

6. The Pros and Cons of Open Source Computer Software

7. The Benefits of Upgrading Your Computer Software

8. How to Optimize Your Computer Software for Maximum Performance

9. Tips for Choosing the Right Computer Software for Your Needs

10. Understanding the Different Licensing Options for Computer Software

This is a much better use of AI.  I may not want to use these titles as is, but some can definitely spur other ideas.  And that is very useful indeed.

Conclusion

My initial opinion is that AI is a great tool, but it is just that, a tool.  You need a human to verify facts and add needed additional content for clarification.

Can AI make you a millionaire?  There are all kinds of claims of this kind flooding the Internet.  I’m sure some people smarter than me may make their millions.  But for the rest of us AI is a great tool, and I’m excited to see what the future may bring!  I’ll keep you updated on my experiences.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash